"Real Wine: The Rediscovery of Natural Winemaking"
Patrick Matthews, Published by Mitchell Beazley. First published in UK in 2000. 256 Pages
$25 retail (paid $16 on sale)

This is the story of the reimergence of "natural winemaking" in the US as inspired by the French, mostly of the Burgundy area. Chapter titles include "Choosing a Site," "Planting the Vineyards," "Growing the Grapes," "Dealing with Faults," "Making Money", and others. Each chapter features discussions with various California wine personalities on the subject at hand.

Pioneers/Legends of California/US and France are also used to make the points. Some of the California personalities include: Josh Jensen of Calera, Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon, Jim Cclendenen of Au Bon Climat, Bob Haas of Tablas Creek, and many more. The legends include: Frank Schoonmaker, Joe Swan, Kermit Lynch, Francois Perrin of Chateau Beaucastel, Henri Jayer, and more.

The book discusses natural winemaking in California and around the world from the beginning of the process to selling the end product. Often "Real Wine" talks about the line between what "natural" techniques came from the "Old World," what "Natural" techniques came the "New World" and where the line has become blurred.

"Real Wine" also includes many memorable quotes: "Modern wine is getting like breast implants. Like on television or in Hollywood movies, how often do you see an actress who hasn't had implants? They don't look like real breasts and they don't behave like real breasts. But from a distance most men will look at a woman who has had a breast job, it's an autmatic reaction. And wines are like that. If they're alcoholic and oaky, then the first reaction is 'Wow! I can smell that!' It's just when you get closer you see that there's no reality there." - Kermit Lynch

This is a thoroughly readable book that condenses the discussion of "natural" wine into an enjoyable and informative experiance. This is well worth the time and money.